A Local's Lake Tahoe 2 Day Itinerary Summer
- Jagger Graham
- 4 hours ago
- 5 min read
Planning a trip to South Lake Tahoe but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry—I’ve lived here since I was a wee lad, and I once watched a man successfully catch a squirrel using nothing but fishing line and a peanut, so I know what I’m talking about. I’ve got the perfect 2 day Lake Tahoe summer itinerary to doing Tahoe right. It’s got tacos. It’s got waterfalls. It might spiritually awaken you or give you heartburn. Either way, you're welcome.
Lake Tahoe Summer Itinerary Day 1: Classic Tahoe Views
☕ Breakfast at Ernie’s Coffee Shop
Start your day the right way—at Ernie’s. I’ve been going there since before I could see over the counter, and it’s still my favorite breakfast spot in town. My wife and I always split the Paul’s Omelet (Cheese, bacon, sausage, tomato, avocado. Served with a side of sour cream) and a plate of strawberry waffles—don’t forget to ask for the real maple syrup. Bree is hooked on the Tiger Chai. Some locals argue over who’s better—Bert’s or Ernie’s—but for me, it's Ernie all day.
🛶 Kayaking at Baldwin Beach & A Trip To Emerald Bay
Baldwin Beach is the closest public launch point if you want to kayak into Emerald Bay (no paddleboards allowed on this route). The paddle is about two miles one way along a gorgeous, rugged shoreline, and honestly, the views are unreal. If you’re feeling ambitious, make a full day of it—paddle out to Fannette Island, check out Vikingsholm Castle (bring some cash if you want the tour), and hike the short trail up to Eagle Falls.
The folks at Kayak Tahoe rent out sit-on-top kayaks that are perfect for the trip. I’d recommend starting around 10 AM—it’s usually calmer and quieter before the wind and boats pick up. Before you head out, they’ll give you a quick safety and paddling rundown (takes about 15 minutes). Just make sure you’re in decent shape and ready for possible weather changes. Pack food, plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a light jacket—trust me on the windbreaker.
And if you’re not up for the full 8-mile round trip, you can still cruise along the shoreline or explore Taylor Creek, which is a chill and beautiful paddle. Rentals here are first-come, first-served (unless you’re doing a multi-day), and they take cash or cards—just don’t forget your photo ID.
🥾 Hike to Eagle Falls & Eagle Lake
Once you've had your fill of the bay, take a hike up to Eagle Falls. It’s a short climb with a huge payoff—panoramic views of Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe. Seriously—this trail is peak Tahoe magic. You get waterfalls, huge granite cliffs, tons of pine trees, and that fresh forest smell that makes you feel like you’re in a nature commercial. You’ll hit these cool stone steps carved right into the rock—kind of feels like you're climbing into a fantasy novel. Another short stretch and boom, you’re at the falls. Super worth it, especially in the morning when it’s quieter. Bring water, obviously. And your camera—you’ll want it.
Cheat Code: If you want to skip the noodle arms and head straight here start from the Emerald Bay State Park Lookout.
Alright, here’s the deal—if you’re huffing and puffing from the elevation by the time you get to the falls, no shame in turning back. But if you’ve got a little gas left in the tank, keep going to Eagle Lake. Trust me. The trail winds up a bit more, and every time the trees open up, take a second to look around—those granite peaks will make you feel tiny in the best way. Once you reach the lake, hang a left and follow the path until you hit a pile of massive boulders. That’s your reward. The lake is crystal clear, the mountains reflect like a mirror, and it’s absolutely unreal. Totally worth the extra effort.
🍣 Dinner at Sushi Pier
End day one with a sushi feast at Sushi Pier—you’ve earned it. Go for the all-you-can-eat, start with some Moondog Stars, and don’t skip the Speedy nigiri: topped with jalapeño and bacon bits. It sounds chaotic but somehow works perfectly. I usually eat enough sushi to question my life choices, wash it down with a cold Sapporo, and vow to never do it again… until next time. No regrets. Absolutely worth it.
Lake Tahoe Summer Itinerary Day 2: Beach Bumming & Bagels
🥯 Breakfast at Tahoe Bagel
These folks make their bagels fresh every day, and it shows. Get the Back 2 Life sandwich—it’s a glorious hangover cure (perfect if you overdid it on sake bombs last night).
🏖️ Beach Day at Chimney Beach
Alright, if you’re looking for a beach day that feels like a secret and skips the usual tourist chaos, you’ve gotta check out Chimney Beach. It’s tucked away on Tahoe’s East Shore and takes a little effort to get to—a half-mile hike down a steep-ish trail—but I promise, it’s worth every step. The views are unreal, the water is crystal clear, and there are massive granite boulders and sandy little coves all around. The beach gets its name from this random old stone chimney left over from a caretaker’s cabin that used to be part of Thunderbird Lodge. The cabin’s long gone, but the chimney’s still there like some weird historic landmark just chillin’ by the lake.
If you want a little more solitude, keep walking south along the shoreline—there are a bunch of tucked-away coves between the boulders where you can post up for hours. Just a heads-up though: some of those further coves are known to be clothing-optional, so maybe don’t bring the whole fam unless you stick to the main beach area. Keep going even farther and you’ll hit Secret Cove, which is quiet, scenic, and feels straight-up magical.
There are a couple parking lots off Highway 28, about 2.5 miles south of Sand Harbor—just look for the Forest Service signs. The trailhead is marked and drops you down to the beach, so wear decent shoes. Dogs are welcome too, but bring poop bags and keep them on leash—it’s a pack-it-in, pack-it-out kind of place. No fires allowed, but you won’t need one when you’re posted up on a warm rock with that view. This spot is one of my all-time favorites, so if you’re down for a mini adventure, Chimney Beach is the move.
🥙 Dinner at Artemis Mediterranean Grill
Pro tip: get the lamb gyro and add avocado and feta. Thank me later. And don’t skip the Artemis fries. Just beware of the seared tuna pita—the wasabi evaporated my sinuses and I’m still emotionally recovering.
⛳ Mini Golf & Drinks at Tipsy Putt
Wind down the afternoon with a few rounds at Tipsy Putt. Combining two of my favorite past times, drinking and mini golf. If you're with kids, Magic Carpet Golf is a fun, quirky alternative. Beyond mini-golf, they have a unique game called Duffleboard™, which is a mix between mini-golf and shuffleboard. The place also features a full bar with an extensive selection of local craft beers, wines, and cocktails. Their menu includes Mexican street food like tacos and nachos, perfect for refueling between games. It's a great spot for casual hangouts, date nights, or even group events. Just remember, it's all-ages until 8 PM, after which it becomes 21+.
Where to Stay: Summit Tahoe Vacation Rentals (or Regret Everything)
You could stay in a boring hotel. Or you could live like Tahoe royalty. I always tell people—book with Summit Tahoe Vacation Rentals. They’ve got the best cabins, pet-friendly options, and cozy homes close to all the chaos I just described. Book direct and save up to 20%, which is basically free taco money. Why give that to a booking site when you could give it to your stomach?
